Description:

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 13/440,804, filed Apr. 5, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S.
patent spplication Ser. No. 12/364,925, filed Feb. 3, 2009 (Now U.S. Pat.
No. 8,182,091, issued May 22, 2012), which is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/985,524, filed Nov. 10, 2004 (Now
U.S. Pat. No. 7,614,747, issued Nov. 10, 2009), which claims the benefit
under 35 USC §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/591,670,
filed Jul. 28, 2004, which are incorporated by reference in their
entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] An automatic self-service vision screening kiosk and method that
allows individuals to screen their eyesight without assistance. The
device includes subjective and/or objective tests via an interactive
video and software program that measures visual acuity and contrast
sensitivity. The device is designed to provide a report with test
results. The device and method may also provide a means for making
referrals, scheduling appointments, ordering lenses, dispensing lenses,
and/or forwarding prescriptions to eye care professionals or lens
manufacturers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] An estimated 164 million Americans require some form of vision
correction. In 1999, only about 52 percent of persons needing vision
correction purchased eyewear, leaving 48 percent, who purchased nothing.

[0004] The American Optometric Association recommends that a patient visit
an optometrist every 1-2 years because eyesight can deteriorate slowly,
making self-diagnosis difficult. Less than thirty percent of Americans
that are age 40 and over realize the importance of regular eye exams. Two
major reasons why consumers fail to visit their optometrist regularly are
based upon convenience and belief that their vision remains static.

[0005] In order to accurately test a person's distance vision, the subject
typically stands a significant distance, sometimes 20 ft, from the
stimulus or visual target. The examiner asks the subject to read aloud
the letters corresponding to a given line on a chart, and each line going
down the chart has smaller letters. This is typically referred to as the
Snellen test, using a Snellen chart to display the different letter sizes
and specific letters.

[0006] There are vision screener products on the market that try to
overcome the need to have a significant distance between the chart and
the subject, in order to accurately test one's vision in a small compact
device. Some applications use lenses to magnify or minimize the stimulus
letter and then present said letters only a few inches away from the
subject's eyes. This form of screener leads to common testing errors
called induced myopia. The brain-to-eye system in the human body
recognizes that the stimulus is located so close and causes the eyes to
become cross-eyed to focus, thereby causing myopic results.

[0007] Additionally, some segments of the general population are unable to
take a typical exam performed in doctors' offices. For example, some
consumers have special needs and may not comprehend the Snellen test.
Other consumers, such as very young children may not be able to
differentiate letters, numbers or other shapes used to diagnose vision
defects. Other consumers may fear the expense of a lengthy eye exam in
countries that require an exam for a vision correction prescription.
Still other consumers may have a language barrier that makes a Snellen or
refractive exam difficult or impossible.

[0008] Some countries do not require prescriptions for corrective lenses;
however, individuals who do not know their sphere and cylinder
corrections cannot accurately determine which lenses to order.
Additionally, in some countries, eye care professionals may not be
accessible to all individuals. In these countries, some individuals
requiring vision correction may not have access to: 1) methods to
indicate the type and power of vision correction needed; and 2) methods
to obtain vision correction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention provides a device and method for measuring
and reporting visual acuity at the user's convenience. The present
invention also seeks to provide a means for a user to manage his or her
optical health by providing referrals to eye care professionals and
corrective lens producers. The invention may also provide a means for
electronic communication between a user, a practitioner and/or a
corrective lens supplier/producer, and/or an eye care professional. The
present invention may also provide an interactive eye care makeover that
allows a user to experience varying types of vision correction.

[0010] In one embodiment, the invention comprises a method for screening
vision without assistance at a kiosk, the method including the steps of
requesting user information, performing visual acuity tests, and
reporting visual acuity results. In one embodiment, objective visual
acuity tests are performed by an automated adaptive optic phoropter, a
badal optometer, a corneal topographer, a tonomer, a wavefront sensor,
and/or a Fundus camera. In another embodiment, subjective tests, such as
a Snellen test or a Landolt C test are automated. In another embodiment,
other tests, such as tests for glaucoma or color vision deficiency may be
performed. The invention preferably determines subjectively or
objectively based visual acuity at distance and near. In another
embodiment, the patient's refractive error, including sphere, cylinder,
and cylinder axis are provided. In still another embodiment the results
are reported at the user kiosk or via the internet to a third party,
which may include an eye care professional, a lens supplier, a lens
distributor, a lens manufacturer and/or a web database. In one
embodiment, the results may be reported via a SmartCard®.

[0011] In another embodiment, the invention may be used to provide
referrals to, or schedule appointments with, an eye care professional. In
an alternative embodiment, the present invention may perform a virtual
eye care makeover. In still another embodiment, the invention may
dispense plano lenses. In one embodiment, the invention requests and
collects payment from a consumer.

[0012] The invention also provides a user kiosk for automatic visual
acuity screening that includes vision test instrumentation, at least one
microprocessor, a shell, a WAN/LAN connection, a communication means,
and/or a reporting means. The kiosk also provides a stimulus and a
plurality of mirrors. The stimulus projects an image onto a first mirror
and the mirror reflects the image onto further mirrors positioned at
particular angles. The invention may also include a credit and coin
payment device, remote management software, a digital camera, and/or
Customer Relationship Management System (CRM). In one embodiment the
communication means may be a visual communication means, which may be a
touch screen or a keyboard. In another embodiment, the invention may
include an audio communication means.

[0013] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from
the following description of the preferred embodiments taken in
conjunction with the following drawings. As would be obvious to one
skilled in the art, many variations and modifications of the invention
may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel
concepts of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1A illustrates an overview of one embodiment of a kiosk device
in accordance with the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 1B shows a side view of the kiosk device of the FIG. 1A
embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 1C illustrates an overview of another embodiment of a kiosk
device in accordance with the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 1D shows a side view of the kiosk device of the FIG. 1C
embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 2 depicts one embodiment of a printed report generated by the
present invention.

[0019] FIG. 3A depicts a kiosk design according to the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 3B depicts another kiosk design according to the present
invention.

[0021] FIG. 3C depicts another kiosk design according to the present
invention.

[0022] FIG. 4A depicts another kiosk design according to the present
invention.

[0023] FIG. 4B depicts another kiosk design according to the present
invention.

[0024] FIG. 4C depicts another kiosk design according to the present
invention.

[0025] FIG. 4D depicts another kiosk design according to the present
invention.

[0026] FIG. 5A shows a front perspective view of a mirror box component of
the kiosk device in accordance with the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 6 shows a flow chart of the steps involved in the vision
acuity exam.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Reference now will be made in detail to the embodiments of the
invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without
departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance,
features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, can be used
on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is
intended that the present invention cover such modifications and
variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their
equivalents. Other objects, features and aspects of the present invention
are disclosed in or are obvious from the following detailed description.
It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the
present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is
not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention.

[0032] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used
herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary
skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Generally, the
nomenclature used herein and the procedures are well known and commonly
employed in the art. Conventional methods are used for these procedures,
such as those provided in the art and various general references. Where a
term is provided in the singular, the inventor also contemplates the
plural of that term. The nomenclature used herein and the devices and
procedures described below are those well known and commonly employed in
the art. All patents listed herein are expressly incorporated by
reference in their entirety.

[0033] Currently, vision screening may be performed by an optometrist or
ophthalmologist in a medical/office environment. During an exam, many
different tests may be performed to obtain a full measurement of visual
acuity and/or contrast sensitivity. Vision tests may vary according to
the practitioner and patient. Additionally, some countries do not require
a prescription to purchase certain types of vision correction, such as,
for example, contact lenses. In these countries, consumers may simply
purchase vision correction from a retailer or supplier.

[0034] Testing refractive errors of the eye involves several tests, some
of which are subjective, and others that are objective in nature.
Objective refraction tests include the use of well known retinoscopy and
autorefractors, while subjective refractions include a variety of
interactive tests. Comprehensive refractive error testing typically
determines the patient's sphere, cylinder and cylinder axis.

[0035] When subjective tests are used, targets may be presented to a
subject with a projector, with illuminated wall charts, or with an LCD
panel and software, or via a video screen. One of the most well-known
subjective tests is the Snellen test. The Snellen test consists of
several lines of letters. The letters on the top line are the largest;
those on the bottom line are the smallest. To test sight at far
distances, the test is routinely taken about 20 ft (6 m) from the chart.
Typically, the patient covers one eye and reads the smallest visible line
of letters. The patient then repeats the process for the other eye. A
tumbling E chart may be used to test vision for children and for people
who cannot read. The E chart is similar to the Snellen chart in that
there are several lines, but all of the lines contain only the letter E
in different positions. The top line is the largest and the bottom line
of Es is the smallest. The person is asked to indicate the direction of
the E. Similar charts use the letter C, such as the Landolt test, or
pictures. A subjective means of determining the refractive error includes
the use of a vision target and involves manually changing lenses with a
manual phoropter, for example see U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,864, or using trial
frames.

[0036] Automated devices can be used for more objective testing,
particularly testing for refractive errors of the eye. Such devices
include autorefractors, autolensometers, and autophoropters. For example
U.S. Pat. No. 3,880,501 discloses a system for measuring refraction of
eye that can be used manually or with automated refractors. U.S. Pat. No.
5,329,322 discloses use of an autorefractor to obtain refractions
objectively and in a rapid manner using two images, and their reflected
images, for differential comparison. A phoropter can be manipulated by a
control unit so that an operator's movement can be minimized during the
testing procedure (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,861,156). U.S. Pat. No. 5,331,394
also discloses an autolensometer.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, an autorefractor may be
used. An autorefractor is an automated objective refracting instrument
operated by a simple button push. This instrument is used to obtain an
initial measurement of the patient eye being tested. No patient response
is obtained. The autorefractor result has regression equations for the
three components of sphere, cylinder and cylinder axis applied to it to
produce a corrected autorefractor result. The corrected autorefractor
result is used as a starting point for the remainder of the test, which
may be subjective in nature. Similarly, an autolensometer is used to
objectively obtain the refractive power of eye glasses or contact lenses.
Measurements may be transmitted to a system computer and stored in a
memory file.

[0038] Modern autolensometers can perform the usual functions of
neutralization and verification without the aid of human interpretation
and may also perform related tasks, such as laying out progressives,
determining cut-out, and blocking up lenses. Most also have the ability
to communicate with other digital equipment, such as phoropters and
blockers. The autorefractor, corrected autorefractor, and autolensometer
may operate without user input and may be wholly objective.

[0039] Wavefront sensors may also be used to detect refractive errors in
the eye, such as for example, a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor.
Measurements of the wavefront aberrations of the eye to a high degree of
precision using an improved Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor are described
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,777,719. The wavefront sensor shines a narrow light or
LED on the retina and fits any astigmatic errors to the Zernike index.
Starting at the retina, an ideal wavefront is generated which passes
through the optical path of the eye. As the wavefront exits the eye, it
contains a complete map of the eye's aberrations for analysis by the
sensor. Once the wavefront is received by the sensor, a complex series of
analyses are performed to provide a "complete" picture of the eye's
optical path.

[0040] Typically, when tests are administered in an eye care
professional's office, the patient may not fully understand the results
of the test. Oftentimes the patient may order corrective lenses at the
same location and the process is seamless; the patient never views his or
her prescription. Upon a determination that vision correction is needed,
various types of lenses may be prescribed. The lenses may be spectacles
or ophthalmic devices. Another ophthalmic lens device is a contact lens,
which may include, but is not limited to rigid gas permeable lenses, soft
gas permeable lenses, and silicon hydrogel contact lenses. Lenses may
correct most vision defects, including but not limited to hypermetropia,
myopia, astigmatism, and/or presbyopia. Additionally, plano lenses may be
available for individuals irrespective of whether corrective lenses are
needed. Plano lenses may be used to change or enhance the appearance of
the eye, such as for example, changing the color of the iris.

[0041] Although a practitioner may be able to order a patient's lenses
directly, in some cases, patients may be required to take his/her
prescription to a separate location to be filled. Additionally, some
patients may wish to order their lenses from other sources, such as
discount lens sources. The present invention, in some embodiments, may be
used to fill or transmit a contact lens prescription.

[0042] In countries where contact lenses are not considered to be medical
devices or do not require a prescription, the present invention provides
a quick and convenient method to obtain contact lens information,
including sphere and cylinder corrections as well as a means to order
lenses. In countries in which a prescription is required, the present
invention may provide more basic information, such as whether vision
correction is needed.

[0043] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the method
and apparatus may be comprised of smaller subsystems with discrete
functions. In a preferred embodiment, the general hardware components or
subsystems may be a mechanized screening device, a microprocessor, a
shell, a WAN/LAN connection (including but not limited to a wireless
connection), a visual communication means, an audio communication means,
and/or a printer. The visual communication means may include a video
screen, a keyboard, and/or a touch screen. The mechanized screening
devices will be described in further detail. Other embodiments may also
include cameras, particularly digital cameras. In a preferred embodiment,
the general software components or subsystems may include system
software, credit and coin payment mechanisms, remote management software,
and a customer relationship management (CRM) system.

[0044] For example, a vision screening kiosk 10 may have an external
construction as shown in FIG. 1A. In one embodiment, the kiosk may be
portable. The vision screening kiosk may have an eye cup 20 that is
designed to surround the ocular region of the face. The eye cup may be
located at any height, or may have an adjustable height to accommodate
all heights, including a seated position. Kiosk 10 may also have a touch
screen 30 or similar dynamic visual communication means. Eye cup 20 may
also comprise disposable components such as paper sleeves or plastic
covers for hygienic purposes.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1B and 1D, kiosk 10 may also have a printer and
payment area 40. This area preferably provides the user with
transaction-authorizing equipment such as a credit card interface that is
adapted to read the identification data from the customer credit card and
then dial into the card-issuing entity to request payment authorization
for the transaction as is commonly known by those of skill in the art.
The user can pass the identification card through a magnetic card reader
that reads the stored transaction information and a controller can cause
the stored transaction(s) to be displayed so that a purchaser can select
a transaction for execution. The purchaser may enter a single input to
select a transaction, thereby simplifying and further expediting the
transaction and automated processing thereof. The transaction parameters
may include one or more of the form of payment (debit card, credit card,
coin, currency, health incurance, SmartCard® etc.) and whether or not
a receipt should be printed upon completion of the transaction. An
example of such a system is produced by NetShift (Newbury, U.K.). This
area also optionally includes a printer that when activated, dispenses
personal vision screening results. In another embodiment other forms of
result, such as a plastic "Smart Card" may be dispensed. In a related
embodiment, a purchaser may use an insurance card to receive a discounted
or free exam.

[0046] The vision kiosk is preferably connected to the internet by any
means known in the art, including a wireless connection and is adapted to
receive updates such as manufacturer promotions or additional
participating eye care practitioners. The kiosk may also, if requested by
the user, transmit screening results to an eye care practitioner or a web
address. In another embodiment, the user may transmit screening results
to a contact lens supplier and order appropriate products. Additionally,
the user may use the screening results to select a set of spectacles,
such as bifocals, for example. In this embodiment, the test results may
include sphere and cylinder correction, or may indicate the appropriate
display rack from which the user may select the appropriate vision
correction. In this embodiment, the display rack has preferably been
categorized for such use.

[0047] The kiosk may be of any shape or size. As commonly understood, the
kiosk is a self-contained small area set off by walls. It may be free
standing or incorporated into a structure. Various kiosk designs are
shown in FIGS. 3A-3C and 4A-4D. For example, in one embodiment, the kiosk
may be an open or enclosed booth that a user may walk into. In another
embodiment, the kiosk may include one or more seats. In another
embodiment, the kiosk may be small enough to sit on a counter-top. The
kiosk screen may be oriented for a seated or upright user, and/or may be
adjustable for both positions. The kiosk may also include partitions for
a user's belongings, such as shopping bags, keys, or a handbag. The kiosk
may also have disposable protective sleeves or coverings over certain
parts for hygiene purposes. The kiosk may also be adapted to store and
sort a limited number of lenses, such as plano lenses, for example.

[0048] The present invention may perform subjective and/or objective
vision tests to determine visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, eye
topography, eye health, and/or similar parameters. Subjective tests may
include tests for contrast sensitivity and visual acuity. Objective tests
may include test to determine optical power, the curvature of the eye,
and the surface topography of the eye. Additionally, a red/green test may
be used to determine color vision deficiency. The present invention may
also provide other useful functions related to cosmetic appearance and
eye health. Some of these functions may include a virtual model that
allows a user to view him/herself with particular vision correction
options, such as color contact lenses. The virtual model can be created
through the use of a camera mounted into the kiosk and connected to
facial recreation software. Alternatively, virtual software can be
included which creates a digital representation of a user with a
particular type of colored lens. In a related embodiment, the kiosk may
be adapted to dispense plano or color contact lenses to a user as a part
of, or separate from, an eye care or full face makeover. The example
embodiment is designed to be operated by a user (subject) without
assistance from another person, including an ophthalmologist. A user is
capable of completing the vision acuity exam completely by
himself/herself.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 6 the test process incorporates multiple steps,
which may be completed in any logical order. The tests may be operated in
any chosen language. The following order is exemplary only. To begin the
test process, a user may touch 70 a start button displayed on a touch
screen or other input/output device. In one embodiment, payment may be
requested 72 immediately after the user indicates that he is ready to
start. In another embodiment, a series of questions 74 may precede the
request for payment. Alternatively, no payment is required. These
questions 74 are preferably designed to elicit the known optical health
of the consumer. Questions 74 can be displayed on a display screen or
other output device, or can be audio played over speakers. Answers 76 can
be typed on a keypad or entered on touchscreen input device or spoken
with voice recognition. Exemplary questions 74 may include "How long has
it been since your last eye exam?"; "Do you wear corrective lenses?" "Are
you wearing corrective lenses at this time?"; "What is your age?"; "Do
you or any members of your family have glaucoma?"; "Do you play sports?";
"Do you have macular degeneration"; "For what purpose a user wears
glasses?"; "What type of lenses a user wears?"; "Approximate date of the
user's last visit to an ophthalmologist?"; "The user's family eye health
history?"; "Whether the user suffers from other health issues such as hay
fever, allergies, dry eye syndrome or watery eye syndrome?"; "Whether a
user has had corrective eye surgery such as laser surgery?"; etc. More
than one question may be displayed on the screen at one time. In an
embodiment that asks questions before payment, specific answers to
questions may cause a disclaimer to be shown to the user that may
indicate whether the auto eye exam is appropriate for the user.

[0050] The example embodiment can instruct 78 the user as to where to
stand and how to position their face relative to the eye cup. In an
embodiment that does not include an eye cup, the user can be instructed
78 to focus on an image projected on a screen. In an embodiment without
an eye cup, the invention preferably instructs the user where to sit or
stand, such as for example, by providing foot print shadows or adhesive
on the floor to indicate where the user should place his or her feet.

[0051] The example embodiment can test 80 various vision components with
varying levels of technology. In one embodiment, Snellen or other vision
targets may be projected onto the screen in a format that is equivalent
to reading the chart at a distance of 20 feet. The user can then be asked
to type in the last row of letters that are visible to him or her. In an
alternative embodiment, the software can ask the user if he/she can read
the third line from the top, etc. The user then inputs 82 his or her
answer, via a touch screen keyboard or traditional keyboard. In another
embodiment, the user can respond verbally to verbal and/or visual
questions. The software may then records 82 the results of this visual
acuity test. In another embodiment, the kiosk may test 80 contrast
sensitivity by projecting images on the screen. The images can comprise
vertical black and white stripes of varying thickness. If the stripes are
very thin, individual stripes will not be visible. Only a gray image is
visible. As the stripes then become wider, there is a threshold width
from where it is possible to distinguish the stripes. The user is asked
if he can see any lines and if so, which direction are they pointing to.
These results may also be recorded 82 and may be dispensed 84 to the
user.

[0052] In a more sophisticated device, the aforementioned subjective tests
80 may be used with objective tests, including tests performed by an
automated adaptive optic phoropter, a badal optometer, a topographer, a
tonomer, a wavefront sensor, and/or fundus camera (retinal photograph).
Any combination of these tests may be used to measure various attributes
of the eye including sphere, cylinder, and cylinder axis, and the
curvature of the eye. The tests 80 may be used alone for completely
objective tests or they may be combined with the subjective tests already
described. In still another embodiment, the tests that are described in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,914,772 may be used. In an advanced embodiment, an
adaptive optics phorometer may be used. In this embodiment, a user may be
asked to look into a full color screen. An automated phoropter, in
combination with other instruments, such as a wavefront sensor, may
examine the eye to determine the refractive errors on the eye. The
adaptive optics technology may then use the measured topography of the
user's eye to generate a screen that, when viewed by the user, displays
the image in a corrected form for that particular user. The user may then
be asked to evaluate the clarity of the image and approve whether it is
satisfactory.

[0053] An example embodiment can provide a user with information 86
regarding corrective lens options, referrals to opticians, and may also
provide an on-line means to locate and make an appointment with an eye
care professional. The example embodiment may also provide a map to the
closest eye care professional. The output can be on screen, printed,
audio and downloaded to a PDA device. The example embodiment may also be
able to transmit the results of the self-screen via internet, phone lines
and/or wireless communication to the practitioner in advance of the
appointment. If the user already has an ophthalmologist the user can
enter his/her name and contact information. Alternatively, the user is
prompted a list of ophthalmologists from which the user may choose.
Alternatively, the user can enter his/her zip code or address to produce
a list of ophthalmologists nearest to the user. The user can choose a
particular ophthalmologist by touching a name on the screen. A next
screen loads and requests further contact information from the user. The
user then enters his/her contact information such as telephone number,
address and email address. When the user has entered the contact
information, a confirmation screen is loaded. The user can receive a copy
of the confirmation via email or have it printed. The chosen
ophthalmologist can be contacted 90 with the user's information.
Additionally, in some countries, the example embodiment may provide a
direct link to a third party distributor to enable the user to purchase
lenses directly or may dispense lenses.

[0054] Additionally, the example embodiment may be used in connection with
a website and/or national database. Each remote kiosk has applications
and can have a local database. A central server contains applications,
and a database that can be accessed by remote kiosk via connections,
respectively, over a network. The server runs administrative software for
a computer network and controls access to itself and database. The remote
kiosk may access the database over a network, such as but not limited to:
the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), via
a telephone line using a modem (POTS), Bluetooth, WiFi, cellular,
optical, satellite, RF, Ethernet, magnetic induction, coax, RS-485, the
like or other like networks. The server may also be connected to the
local area network (LAN) within an organization. In this embodiment, data
obtained at the kiosk may be inputted into a patient database that may be
accessible by a user and/or the user's eye care professional. The user
may check his or her optical history online Additionally, an eye care
professional may update the database with information, such as the user's
current prescription. The website may also answer questions, direct users
to eye care professionals, provide locations of screening kiosks, and
provide eyecare and eye wear options. The example embodiment can further
comprise executable software code and computer readable media having code
resident thereon for carrying out the steps of a vision acuity exam.

[0055] In still another embodiment, the user can be shown information 86
about a variety of eye health conditions such as cataracts, diabetes,
floaters, glaucoma, macular degeneration, presbyopia, dry eye syndrome,
watery eye syndrome, and refractive error. The user may select to learn
more about one of these conditions by touching the particular condition
on the screen. A next screen will load that provides significant
information about the condition. The user may print the information.

[0056] In still another embodiment, the kiosk may also provide a virtual
optical makeover 88. In this embodiment, the user's photograph may be
obtained via an outboard camera, uploaded, or through other means and
projected onto a screen. The user may then select different eyewear,
including colored lenses or spectacles. In this embodiment, the image of
the user taken by the camera may be altered according to the user's
selection. For example, a user with brown eyes may select corrective
lenses with color. The projected image of the user may then be altered to
show the user with blue eyes, green eyes, etc. The user may also select
various types of spectacles. In this case, the projected image of the use
may then be altered to show the user wearing a particular spectacle
style. In an alternative embodiment, the kiosk may provide a full facial
makeover, including eyewear, makeup and the like. In a related
embodiment, the kiosk may be adapted to dispense plano or color contact
lenses to a user as a part of, or separate from, the eye care or full
face makeover.

[0057] Many types of contact lenses may be available for a particular user
and their use is recommended dependent upon the optical topography of the
user's eye. For example, a user may be a presbyope with astigmatism. In
some embodiments, the present invention may make recommendations as to
the type of vision correction needed as well as any vision correcting
options that are applicable to the particular user, in terms of different
brands, different product lines, different types of corrective lenses and
surgical or nonsurgical visual correction options.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, test results may be
printed for the user. An example of such a printout is shown in FIG. 2.
In this embodiment, the report preferably includes one or more of the
following: whether vision correction is needed, the level of vision
correction needed for both the left and right eye, basic eye health
information, legal driving requirements from the Department of Motor
Vehicles (DMV), frequently asked questions, nearby participating eye care
practitioners, recommended products, recommended manufacturers, and
manufacturer discounts. The report preferably contains a disclaimer that
states, for example, "This is not a complete eye exam" and instructs the
user to see an eye care professional for a more complete exam. The
printout may also contain explanations of different types of corrective
options and/or cosmetic options.

[0059] In one embodiment, a plastic card, such as for example, a SmartCard
with a computer chip, bar code, magnetic strip, or any other means of
storing data may be issued to the user. The SmartCard® may have
confidential information embedded on it such as prescription information,
prescription history, user identification, retinal photographs, preferred
type of lenses, and promotional offers. Such information may be encrypted
or imbedded in the card, similar to a Common Access Card (CAC) used in
military applications. In an extended embodiment, this card may be
updated remotely by an eye care practitioner. In still another
embodiment, this card may be scanned at a kiosk for further transactions,
such as refilling/ordering lenses for a current prescription, scheduling
eye care appointments, and/or accessing user eye history.

[0060] In an example embodiment, the vision acuity tests can be performed
through the use of a plurality of mirrors mounted at particular angles on
a box to define an optical path. An example embodiment of a mirror box 50
is shown in FIGS. 5A-5D. The example embodiment has a front 52, a back
54, a right and left side, a bottom and a top. A viewing window 56 is
located on the upper section of the front surface. This window 56 can be
made of glass or plastic or other optically transparent material.
Additionally, a view finder 58 extends outwardly from the window 56. A
user can look through the window 56 by looking into the end of the view
finder 58. Alternatively, a user can look directly at the window 56. It
is contemplated that either with a view finder 56 or without, a user is
about 20 inches from the window 56 for proper use. Thus, an example
length of the view finder 58 extending from the window 56 is about 20
inches. The example embodiment has a height (top to bottom) of about
thirty inches and a depth (front to back) of about 20 inches. The mirror
box 50 can be secured within a kiosk through mounting rails 72 on both
sides of the box 50.

[0061] The box can be inserted into the kiosk such that it is removable
from the kiosk entirely. The mirror box simulates looking down a long
hallway or a significant distance from a stimulus to the subject. The
mirror box works in such a way that an internal stimulus projects
characters in varying sizes. An example of the stimulus is an LCD screen.
An example of characters are Sloan letters often used in Snellen tests.
An image is projected from the stimulus across a plurality of mirrors. An
example of the range of amount of mirrors is between 4 mirrors and 9
mirrors. The example embodiment is shown with 4 mirrors.

[0062] The window 56 is located directly above a stimulus 60, such as a
display screen, projector, or other image generating means. The stimulus
60 is secured to the interior of the front side 52 and faces toward the
rear side. The stimulus 60 can be secured with a mounting device 62 such
as a mounting bracket or face shield. The stimulus 60 faces the opposite
direction from the position of a user. As shown in FIG. 5C, the stimulus
60 projects an image along path 74 toward a first mirror 64 mounted at a
first angle of between -140° and -150° to vertical. In the
example embodiment the first mirror 64 is positioned at -147° to
vertical. The image is then reflected from the first mirror 64 along path
76 onto a second mirror 66 positioned at a second angle between
70° and 80° to vertical. In the example embodiment the
second mirror 66 is positioned at 78° to vertical. The image is
then reflected from the second mirror 66 along path 77 onto a third
mirror 68 positioned at a third angle of between 100° and
110° from vertical. In the example embodiment the third mirror 68
is positioned at 103° to vertical. The image is then reflected
from the third mirror 68 along path 79 onto a fourth mirror 70 positioned
at a fourth angle of between 105° and 115° to vertical. In
the example embodiment the fourth mirror 70 is positioned at 110°
to vertical. The image is then reflected from the fourth mirror 70 along
path 80 toward the window 56 and in the direction of a user.

[0063] In the example embodiment the total distance ("optical path")
travelled by the image between the stimulus 60 and the position of the
user is greater than ten. Providing a distance of ten feet or greater
reduces the amount of induced myopia to the user. Further, the user can
take an accurate distance vision test that would otherwise require a
large room. All of the mirrors can be contained in a single mirror box.

[0064] The invention has been described in detail, with particular
reference to certain preferred embodiments, in order to enable the reader
to practice the invention without undue experimentation. A person having
ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that many of the
previous components, compositions, and/or parameters may be varied or
modified to a reasonable extent without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention. Furthermore, titles, headings, example materials
or the like are provided to enhance the reader's comprehension of this
document, and should not be read as limiting the scope of the present
invention. Accordingly, the invention is defined by the following claims,
and reasonable extensions and equivalents thereof